Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✓
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampPaved, 1 lane
Dock1 boating pier · ADA
Trailer Parking11 spots · gravel
Vehicle-Only8 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
Hours4 AM – 11 PM
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
PierYes
AccessibilityAccessible pier, restroom
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
GPS Will Mislead You
Don't blindly trust Google Maps to get you here. It'll try to route you to the wrong side of the lake or down some random two-track. Pull up a satellite view before you go and look for the actual launch road — saves you 20 minutes of backtracking on unmarked dirt roads.
Shallow Water Warning
Big Shag runs shallow, especially along the margins near the ramp. If you're dragging anything with real draft, you'll want to trim up quick after launch. Late summer can get particularly skinny.
Busier Than Expected
For a lake this tucked away in Marquette County, it draws more traffic than you'd think. Even midweek you'll see other boats out. With only 11 trailer spots, a holiday weekend like the 4th of July will pack that lot tight — get there early or plan to improvise.
No Winter Plowing
The lot doesn't get plowed in winter, so if you're thinking ice fishing access with a trailer or even just driving in, you're on your own. Bring a sled and be ready to hoof it from the road if the snow's deep.
Solid Panfish Spot
Bass, bluegill, perch, and pike are all in here. The panfish action can be surprisingly good if you work the right structure. It's not a trophy lake, but for a quiet day targeting gills and perch with light tackle, it delivers.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Big Shag Lake →